a rumour circulated around womadelaide later on saturday afternoon
cesaria evora had suffered a stroke while on stage in sydney
and under doctor's orders was under observation and not spotlights
damn - this was going to be the big highlight for me this year
double damn - had been in sydney during the week
could have (did consider) going to a show at the opera house
but no - ticket bought for womadelaide and besides
the atmosphere outdoors with an adoring music-loving crowd
would surpass the likely polite but reserved opera house mob
so upon hearing this news my first selfish thought was all about me
but then this quickly transpired to concern for the main lady
an announcement was made that her band would still perform
which raised the excitement level to almost normal point
for her band is quite superb in it's own right and worth attention
it has been said that cesaria is a bit lacking in stage presence
but she makes up for that with the beauty of her voice
i am very familiar with a live concert dvd filmed in paris
and from that i knew that the band alone could be very good
so again i got myself well placed centre front main stage
there certainly seemed to be nervousness from the band
no doubt some of the audience were unaware of the situation
but within a few tunes the crowd were well settled
and giving abundant applause to the band for each tune
this obviously gave them more confidence
it almost looked like they enjoyed their time on stage
i'm sure uppermost in their mind was their leading lady
but given the opportunity to effectively improvise
they filled the gap admirably and with great style
the big man saxaphone player seemed to be filling in the most
closely followed by the violin player and pianist
it was odd at times knowing the music but not hearing the voice
but then again the warmth of the music rose to the occasion
the beautiful and dominant piano playing most effective
on their african-fado-brazilian styled but original music
by the end of the set there was a bunch of happy musicians
and an equally satisfied and content large saturday night crowd
assuming cesaria gets over this little hiccup
i have a feeling she and they will return
to a likely huge reception next year
here's hoping she just returns
to the stage
great band
